Michael Auty
Called: 1990 – Inner Temple
Former solicitor (Admitted 1987; partner 1988)
Areas of Experience
Homicide
I have appeared alone for the prosecution in three cases of Murder, including R v James Sullivan and R v Gary Spalding.
I appear regularly in cases of Attempted Murder (approximately 25 cases), the most recent being R v Malcolm McMahon, where both the victim and the Defendant were serving sentences of life imprisonment for Murder at the time of the attack.
I have similarly appeared in many cases of Manslaughter, including Corporate Manslaughter. In R v Forbes a brick was thrown through a window at the home of an elderly man who was in poor health. Complicated issues of causation and foresight arose.
Rape and other Serious Sexual Offences
I am an accredited Rape Specialist and have appeared in over 500 such cases. R v Shane Handley concerned the rape of a woman in her own home where the Defendant recorded the events on his mobile telephone.
I have appeared in cases alleging abuse up to 45 years ago.
I have appeared in cases alleging people trafficking, Living off Immoral Earnings and cases concerning the sexual abuse of the mentally disadvantaged.
I have particular experience of cases of alleged Sexual Assault by members of the Medical Profession.
Drugs
The Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire formally commended me for my work in Operation Normality (R v John Dawes), a case concerning a vast drug dealing empire with the profits going abroad.
I also appeared in Operation Halbert I and II (R v Gavin Dawes), which had been investigated by the Serious and Organised Crime Agency and with which there was a familial link with Normality. The case substantially concerned “Hawalla Banking.”
I have appeared in countless other large-scale drugs cases (including Operation Goosebery (as Leading Junior) and am familiar with issues of Public Interest Immunity, Disclosure and the handling of highly sensitive information.
Other Significant Cases
• Operation Bathometer (R v Modou Ndow)
This concerned attacks on Co-operative stores throughout Nottinghamshire by a former employee with a grudge who was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment.
• Operation Headland (R v Hoyland and others)
This is an attack on a warehouse in Grantham that involved the planned kidnapping of the Assistant Manager as well an extremely serious robbery.
• Operation Landmark
This involved an organized gang attacking copper cabling at various locations around the country.
• R v Jeremy Keith
Mr. Keith was formally the Chairman of Derby County Football Club and charged with Conspiracy to Defraud. He was acquitted of that count, albeit convicted of a document offence.
• Operation Newington
This is a National investigation into an organized criminal gang who use a variety of sophisticated methods to impersonate police officers before turning on that have taken them into their trust and committing Burglary or Robbery as the situation dictated.
• R v Joseph Fletcher
This is a reported case dealing with, inter alia, the obligations of the CCRC in cases where there has or may arguably have been a change in the law, whether statutory or case based.
• Operation Mitchell
A case where an Intelligence Officer stole and then sold sensitive information after his contract terminated.
I have appeared in many cases of Vehicular Homicide. I have experience of, and was consulted by Nottingham University undertaking research into the use of Special Measures and their efficacy. I am similarly familiar with the use of Intermediaries.
I regularly appear in the Court of Appeal and have appeared in the Administrative Court in a case that determined whether the CPS were always obliged to follow their own published guidance.
I have led other members of the Bar in drugs cases, Attempted Murder, Proceeds of Crime cases and R v Crisp, a case where the Defendant (who had previously been convicted of Rape) led a campaign of Arson against his wife and son from inside his prison cell.
Outside the Bar I try to devote as much time as I can to my wife and four sons. In an earlier incarnation I had been a semi-professional guitarist but have long since retired albeit I retain my deep affection for music. I have a much documented and longstanding love affair with the United States of America. In rare oases of respite I am to be found enjoying the company of friends and family.
